Execs & Accounts: Eric Schmidt, Expedia, Billboard Kwok

Google CEO Eric Schmidt is resigning his seat on Apple’s board of directors after three years. The companies cited a growing conflict of interest stemming from Gooogle’s growing investment in its browser, app platform, and operating system. “Erica’s effectiveness as an Apple board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings,” Apple CEO Steve Jobs said in a statement. The decision may have been motivated in part by government scrutiny. The Federal Trade Commission said earlier this year it’s looking into antitrust issues surrounding Schmidt’s involvement in both companies

Expedia.com tapped The Martin Agency to be its ad agency of record. The agency will handle broadcast, print, radio, and digital brand marketing. Media planning and buying and PR are not included. The decision followed a five-month review.

Billboard Kwok was named managing director of Euro RSCG 4D China. He’ll lead the agency’s digital, CRM, and new media offerings. Kwok was COO of iCoupon and WE mobile media group. Previously he worked at Ogilvy China for 13 years.

HomeAway hired two ad sales execs. Geri Lynn Utter, former online and mobile account exec at AccuWeather, now leads Eastern region ad sales. Nevo Waintraub, previously with TripAdvisor, will head up West Coast accounts.

The Publishers Clearing House Online Network hired Andrew Zucker as chief revenue officer. Zucker has held top sales positions at Seevast and IAC/InterActiveCorp. At PCH, he’ll focus on creating ad solutions on the company’s five Web sites.

Hearst Newspapers will deploy an ad unit from ad technology firm PaperG. Hearst’s 15 Web sites, including SFGate.com, will use the Flyerboard format to serve targeted ads for businesses in local markets.